Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is a medicinal and ornamental plant known for producing pharmacologically important benzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as morphine and codeine. Its poppy seeds are used for culinary applications as breads and cakes. This is because the alkaloids are mainly concentrated in the latex of the immature capsule, while mature seeds contain negligible or no amounts of these compounds (although residues may remain if not washed).

10.1126/science.aat4096

Author: Lía Guallar Gual